And I loved him for his tender sympathy in my paroxysms of regret and disappointment.

The hairy head would rub coaxingly against my arm, the warm tongue licking my hand, and the faithful brown eyes gazing at me with a knowledge and sympathy that were more than human--these I feel sure saved me again and again.

I might mention that, although my boat was absolutely useless for the purpose of escape, I did not neglect her altogether, but sailed her about the enclosed lagoon by way of practice in the handling of her sails.

This was also a welcome recreation.
I never feared a lack of fresh water, for when, in the dry season, the ship's stock and my reserve from the wet season were exhausted, I busied myself with the condensing of sea water in my kettle, adding to my store literally drop by drop.

Water was the only liquid I drank, all the tea and coffee carried on board having been rendered utterly useless.
The powerful winged birds that abounded on the island one day gave me an idea: Why not hang a message around their necks and send them forth into the unknown?
Possibly they might bring help--who knows?
And with me to conceive was to act.